EU wants 'right to delete' for online personal data

The European Commission is in the process of drawing up legislation which may allow citizens of EU member states to delete data stored by websites and services.

With vast amounts of data held on us, most of it we put on ourselves, from social networking sites to paywall news sites which require credit or debit card details.

The EU is concerned that the laws regarding information security and storage are outdated, and in their view citizens should be able to remove their data from these sites and services in a short, simple process.

The problem is in regards to where the data is stored and the legislation covered under the EU may not be applicable to services held on non-EU soil. EC legislators are also trying to improve data cohesion by empowering the ordinary citizen to gain control over their own data.

EU member states and the European Commission could enact the finished, updated policy and force companies with a presence within the EU to comply, or face rejection or ceasing service.

This will no doubt be welcomed news to EU students, as now the proposal may allow measures such as needing to change a name by deed poll to escape the past in order to avoid missed employment opportunities will be unnecessary.

Do you think this is a good idea? Have your say.